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From robots to noses – check out our upcoming classes!

Ever wonder how robotics can be used in science? In our modern world, automation is becoming more and more important in research and technology development. Even in the squishy sciences like biology, technology holds a critical and valuable place for researchers and enthusiasts alike. If youre interested in learning more about robotics, and how we can use engineering to help solve science problems in a hands-on workshop, with real robots and a fun take-home project! In this workshop, students will address the question: How can robots be leveraged in Biology? They’ll get hands-on experience with the OpenTrons One robot: https://opentrons.com/ Students can also expect to take home their own robot that they build at HiveBio during the workshop! This workshop is suitable for ages 13 and up. Pre-registration for this workshop is strongly advised so that we can ensure that we have enough parts on hand to make our robots. Walk-ins are accepted.

Fragrances are ubiquitous in our environment – from plants and foods to cosmetics and cleaning products. HiveBio invites you to explore the sense of smell and the molecules responsible for fragrances through this interactive workshop presented by Dr. Reitha Weeks. You will learn about the physiology of smell, test your ability to identify smells, investigate product labels and evaluate aromatherapy claims.

Understanding the biology behind our sense of smell and the chemistry behind fragrances opens the door to the amazing world of fragrances and their uses. How can a favorite smell call up pleasant memories? Can a small change in a molecule’s shape yield a very different smell? What is an essential oil and how is it used? These are just a few of the topics that will be covered.

You will test your sense of smell in multiple activities and investigate fragrance labeling on consumer products. Distilling essential oil from lavender will lead into a discussion about the uses of essential oils. You will take home lotion samples with fragrances of your choice.

Maximum class size for this workshop is 9 students, $25 per participant. Pre-registration required to attend this class, sorry, no walk-ins!

This class is not suitable for chemical or fragrance sensitive individuals. The subject matter for this class is above an elementary level, this class is not suitable for children under 7th grade.

Did you know that the shape and structure of molecules have a radical effect on their utility and function? From proteins to DNA, long-chain lipids to small organic molecules, their composition and 3-dimensional structure are critically important to how they work, and what they do!

In a class led by Dr. Sandra Porter, you’ll envision exactly how and why these structures matter. You’ll learn how DNA is put together by its properties, how mutant proteins cause albino cats, how protein folding dictates functionality, why some viruses are resistant to anti-viral drugs, and why some people develop diseases like breast cancer by use of Sandra’s 3D visualization program called Molecule World.

After this class, you’ll be able to share your new-found love of biological formalism with a structural image of your favorite molecule printed on a T-shirt!

This class will take place at HiveBio on January 21, 2017 from 2-5PM. Pre-registration is required so we can ensure we order the right size T-shirt for you. Make sure you fill out the survey and tell us what size t-shirt you’ll need!

What to bring:

– A white T shirt (optional). HiveBio will provide T-shirts, but if you want one that you know fits the way you like, get a blank cotton T-shirt and bring it along.
– An iPad (optional). We will have some iPads available for the workshop, but if you have one, you might like to bring it.
– If you’re bringing an iPad, download and install a copy of Molecule World ($5.99 in the iTunes store) before the workshop.